Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

High protein foods are essential for large antlers, large bodies, and
healthy fawns. Photos by Jeff Shaw.
If crops are planted to improve the nutrition level of the local
deer herd, then crops with a high protein level and a long growing period
should be used. These plants also should be the most nutritious
and palatable at the times when deer need them most. In Alabama, the
two most stressful periods for white-tailed deer are late winter/early
spring and late summer/early fall. Food levels are at their lowest point
during these times.
Deer also need highly nutritious food during late spring and
summer. Does are pregnant and raising fawns, and bucks are growing
antlers at this time. To maximize fawn and antler production, these
deer need highly nutritious, high-protein foods. Supplementing the
native foods with agricultural plantings during these times can help
deer reach their potential.
The wide array of available seed varieties can make it difficult
to decide the best thing to plant for white-tailed deer. New varieties
appear on the market each year, making the decision even more diffi-
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